Microsoft's next-generation Android smartphone, the Nokia X2 has recently been released in June, while the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 was released in Q1 2014. Both the smartphones are budget-friendly and they pack amazing features, and great hardware and software performances. Readers who are interested in purchasing one of the aforementioned devices should check out this specification and price comparison.

Display, Exterior and Size

The Nokia X2 features a 4.3 inches IPS LCD display, with a screen resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Whereas the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 features a much bigger 5.2 inches TFT display, with 720 x 1,280 pixels screen resolution. The pixel density of the Nokia X2 stands at 217 ppi, which is relatively lesser than the 280 ppi of Galaxy Grand 2.

The Galaxy Grand 2 comes with a faux-leather design that is prevalent in the Galaxy Note 3. In addition, the plastic material used for the overall design gives a cheaper look to the handset. However, as Phone Arena points out, the faux-leather is any time better looking than the glossy plastic look of many other Samsung phones. Notably, the patterned rear does not get stained easily and feels comfortable on the hands. Even though, the colours are vivid and zippy on the display, the viewing angles and oversaturation are note-worthy problem areas.

The latest Nokia X2, meanwhile, comes with a slightly improved display with the introduction of Nokia's ClearBlack polarization technology. ClearBlack technology makes the outdoor viewing experience slightly better. As Anand Tech puts it, "It can make a mediocre display look OK, and a good display look great, at least in my experience." Also, the Nokia X2's exterior is similar to the predecessor Nokia X but the latest handset integrates a new translucent outer layer, which makes the exterior look glossy.

The thickness and the weight of Nokia X2 are 0.44 inches and 150 g respectively. The Samsung Galaxy Grand 2, on the other hand, comes with a thickness of 0.35 inches and a weight of 163 g.

Hardware, Software and Memory

The Nokia X2 is powered by a dual-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 200) Cortex-A7 processor, clocked at 1.2 GHz. The Galaxy Grand 2, meanwhile, is powered by a superior quad-core (Qualcomm Snapdragon 400) Cortex-A7 processor, clocked at 1.2 GHz. While the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 comes with a good 1.5 GB of RAM, the Nokia X2 settles for 1 GB of RAM. Also, the Nokia X2 runs on Android OS v4.3 Jelly Bean on top of Nokia X platform 2.0 UI, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 runs on the same Android v4.3 JellyBean OS that is upgradable to higher versions.

The Nokia X2 comes with only 4 GB of internal storage with microSD card support for expansion up to 32 GB. The Galaxy Grand 2, on the other hand, comes packed with a relatively better 8 GB of internal storage and microSD card support for further expansion up to 64 GB.

Camera and Battery

The Nokia X2 sports a 5 MP rear-facing camera with LED flash and a VGA shooter in the front. The Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 sports an 8 MP of rear-facing cameras with LED flash and a 1.9 MP front-facing shooter.

The Nokia X2 houses a Li-Ion 1800 mAh user-replaceable battery unit, while the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 features a stunning 2600 mAh battery unit. The Nokia X2 can provide up to 13 hours of 3G talk-time and a whopping 552 hours of 3G stand-by time, while the Galaxy Grand 2 can give up to 17 hours of 3G talk-time and only 370 hours of 3G stand-by time.

Connectivity, SIM and Colour

Both the phones support Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition, both the phones support dual-sim mode and micro-sim type.

The Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 (Dual-sim) can be purchased for AU$369.95 in Australia, whereas the Nokia X2 (Dual-Sim) is priced at US$135 that roughly translates to AU$143. However, the availability of the Nokia X2 in Australia is still not known.